Hair-coloring kit and method

ABSTRACT

Hair dye composition and method of dyeing hair that targets only at least one grey part using a permanent hair dye component comprising a specific volume percentage of a particulate pigment to permanent hair dye component. The purpose of some embodiments of the invention is to delay the need for women to dye their hair in full. At least one pigment particle (about 0.0770 ml or about 1/64th of a teaspoon) may be added to a bottle of 71 ml of permanent hair dye, which allows the permanent hair dye composition to become visible and allows for more accuracy during application. Using small quantities of 5 cc per application (hair dye: 2.5 ml; developer: 2.5 ml) reduces the amount of dye applied to needless areas of the hair. The use of a make-up sponge stick allows for better accuracy. The composition is multi-use, and provides for 28 applications (71 ml bottle of dye and 71 ml of developer), and will save users time and money. All these characteristics provide for a hair dye composition that significantly reduces the amount of harmful chemicals applied to users&#39; hair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/002,739 filed 25 Aug. 2020, which is in turn a continuation ofapplication Patent Cooperation Treaty application No. PCT/CA2019/000028having an international filing date of 27 Feb. 2019 which in turn claimspriority to, and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of, application No.62/635,591, filed 27 Feb. 2018. All of the applications referred to inthis paragraph are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in some embodiments, relates to the field ofhair-coloring, and more particularly but not exclusively, to methods andcompositions suitable for coloring hair, especially human hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is often a need for coloring human hair. One particular need is tocolor natural grey hair that grows, for example, in older people.Current methods and compositions for coloring such natural grey colorhave disadvantages.

The continuous and rapid growth of the visible grey roots is one of themajor esthetic problems for women worldwide. This unsolved issue is themain reason women are forced to dye their entire hair on a regularbasis. This cycle of continuous dyeing of the hair for years poses amajor health risk and can permanently damage the hair. This process istime consuming, expensive, and involves dangerous chemicals that candamage the hair. The many applications over the years, often until oldage, are harmful and dangerous to the hair. The chemicals can harm theskin, breathing airways and the hair itself.

Even with the knowledge of the risks involved with permanent hair dye,women continue to buy and dye their hair on a regular basis becausepermanent hair dye produces the best results compared to other types ofhair dye, and permanent hair dye lasts longer on the grey roots. Thefollowing application of permanent hair dye is only necessary once thegrey roots grow back from the scalp.

Permanent hair dye compositions in the market today do not have theirfinal color when applied and thus the users have no control over theapplication and are forced to dye significantly more than necessary. Ittakes about 1-3 minutes after the permanent hair dye composition hasbeen applied to hair for any color to show, and it only becomes fullyclear after washing. Before the application, the permanent hair dyecomposition appears like shampoo with an unclear color shade, and duringthe application it is difficult to determine what gets dyed and whatdoesn't. This causes the user to apply the permanent hair dyecompositions to unnecessary locations on the hair which results in toomuch dye on the hair and leads to dripping on the neck, forehead andside burns.

All the liquid permanent hair dye compositions on the market appeardark/light orange or dark/light yellow. For example, black liquidpermanent hair dye appears to be orange and red hair dye also appears tobe orange; the same goes for the rest of the colors. All the creampermanent hair dye compositions on the market either appear white orother colors that do not match the wanted color of the finished hair dyeproduct. The quantity of hair dye composition sold are too great andcause the users to apply unnecessary amounts of hair dye composition tothe hair. During the mixing process of the hair dye and the developer,and due to the great quantities used, a strong and uncomfortablechemical scent is evident, and can sometimes cause difficulties inbreathing when used.

The permanent hair dyes on the market today are all intended for singleuse. Due to the large quantity available, the user is then forced toeither throw away a large quantity of hair dye or use it unnecessarilyon the hair.

Due to rapid hair growth and the emergence of grey roots in women'shair, they are forced to dye their hair every two to four weeks.

Following the application process, users are always forced to wash theirhair thoroughly, a process that takes time and is inconvenient.

There are commercially-available hair brushes for applying permanenthair dye compositions to the hair. The permanent hair dye brushes in themarket are all very similar and are of the same style. Some of thebrushes are double sided, with one side being used as a stick to splitthe hair and reach the roots. The other side has the brush hair bristlesand sometimes includes a comb as well. Other brushes vary in size, shapeand form. Some are made of plastic, and some from silicone. Some of thebrush bristles also vary in composition, as some are tighter togetherand others looser.

Currently available permanent hair-coloring compositions typicallyinclude para-phenylenediamine (PPD), hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, parabenpreservatives, lead acetate and resorcinol. PPD is used as a dye fordark color shades and is made from coal tar, a petroleum-derivedchemical that includes benzene, naphthalene, phenols, aniline, and otherchemicals. PPD is also used as a wood preservative, and contact withskin is best to be avoided. Research states PPD in combination withhydrogen peroxide is very toxic and can lead to cancer.

Hydrogen peroxide is mostly used to strip the natural color away, beforeapplying the hair dye color composition. It is said to change the hairstructure and make it brittle, stripping it of its natural luster.

Ammonia is used to open up the hair's cuticle (the outer layer of thehair) so the dyes can come into the shaft (the inside of the hair). Itmay produce caustic burns and lung irritation.

The two most common parabens preservatives are Methylparabens andPropylparabens. They are widely used in hair care products and canproduce severe allergies and skin irritation.

Lead Acetate is used as a coloring additive for the dark shade hairdyes. It is said to cause anemia and produce neurological problems.

Resorcinol is a toxic dye that can cause scalp irritation, and is anallergen affecting the endocrine system.

There are many companies that produce permanent hair dye compositions inthe market today. Some of the companies are well known and others notvery known. Permanent hair dye compositions are sold in kits or tubes ofpermanent hair dye or developer (separately). After properly applied,the dyeing of hair caused by permanent hair dye compositions does notcome off the hair during or after washing the hair. Permanent hair dyecompositions do not have their final color during application. This infact means that the wanted color does not show during application, only1-2 minutes after application.

Permanent hair dye products in the market today are for single use only.

Some of the better-known companies in the market today and thequantities of permanent hair dye compositions they sell are listedbelow.

L'Oreal™ produces a kit including two components, 71 ml dye and 71 mldeveloper that when mixed provide 142 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition. Garnier™ produces a kit including two components, 60 ml dyeand 60 ml developer that when mixed provide 120 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

Clairol™ Nice easy is a kit including two components, 25 ml dye and 15ml developer that when mixed provides 40 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

Schwarzkopf™ that produces a kit including two components, 50 ml dye and50 ml developer that when mixed provides 100 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

Indola produces a kit including two components, 60 ml dye and 60 mldeveloper that when mixed provide 120 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

Revlon™ produces a kit including two components, 60 ml dye and 60 mldeveloper that when mixed provide 120 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

Wella™ produces a kit including two components, 40 ml dye and 40 mldeveloper that when mixed provide 120 ml of permanent hair dyecomposition.

The above are just a few examples of quantities of hair dye anddeveloper that are present in the permanent hair dye kits and tubes inthe market today.

There are also some temporary products in the market for the purpose ofcovering up the visible grey roots. These products try to solve theproblem of the rapid growth of the grey roots. These products exist totry and delay dyeing the entire hair for as long as possible. Theseproducts are temporary and come off the hair after washing. Theseproducts are for multi-uses, unlike permanent hair dye products. Thesetemporary products come with cosmetic pigment meaning that as soon asthe dye is applied to the hair the wanted color is visible. Thesetemporary products fade throughout the day and come off the haircomplete after washing with water. Examples of such products include:MAGIC RETOUCH™-spray” by L'Oreal, Cover your Grey™ Touch up stick light,ASH™ Infinity Touch-up™ Hair color mascara and ColorMark Grey™ rootsgone instantly.

There are many similar products in the market today. All these productshave the same common feature, the hair dye comes off the hair afterwashing.

It would be useful to have methods and devices for effectively coloringhair quickly and permanently that have one or more advantages comparedto known methods and compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the disclosure herein is addressed to a hairdye composition comprising a predetermined amount of a permanent hairdye component of a type that is mixed with a predetermined developercomponent in a predetermined ratio by volume to prepare a permanent hairdye composition that is applied to a subject's hair and maintained inthe subject's hair for at least a period of a predetermined minimumduration before washing the subject's hair, the permanent dye componentcomprising one or more compounds, for example at least one compound or aset of compounds that determines the color of the subject's hair afterwashing, the one or more compounds, for example, at least one couplercompound, present in an amount effective to attain a selected hair colorof the subject's hair, the selected color arranged to match apredetermined color selected by or for the subject such that thepermanent hair dye composition may be used to touch-up at least one greypart of the subject's hair in new growth areas to match at least onenon-grey part previously dyed to attain the predetermined color, thepermanent hair dye component comprising from about 0.05% to about 0.11%by volume of at least one pigment particle, optionally a plurality ofpigment particles, that is evenly distributable within the permanenthair dye composition, the at least one pigment particle being of avisible color such that application of the permanent hair dyecomposition to a surface of the at least one grey part of the subject'shair may be observed to have the visible color of a plurality of the atleast one pigment particle contemporaneously with application to thesurface (for example, to determine at least one grey part or area towhich the permanent hair dye composition has already been applied).

In another aspect, the disclosure is addressed to a method for touchingup a grey new growth area of a subject's hair having a non-grey partdyed with a permanent dye of a predetermined color, the methodcomprising the following steps carried out by or for the subject:

a) shaking a permanent dye component, optionally in a predeterminedmanner;

b) mixing the permanent dye component with a predetermined developercomponent in a predetermined ratio by volume to prepare a permanent hairdye composition comprising at least one compound or a set of compoundsthat determines the color of the subject's hair after washing, the atleast one compound or set of compounds, for example, at least onecoupler compound, present in an amount effective to attain a selectedhair color of the subject's hair that matches the predetermined color;c) applying the permanent hair dye composition to at least one greypart, preferably grey parts, of the subject's hair;d) allowing the permanent hair dye composition to remain in thesubject's hair for at least a period of predetermined minimum duration;ande) washing the permanent hair dye composition out of the subject's hair.

Wherein the permanent hair dye component comprising 0.05% to about 0.11%by volume of at least one pigment particle of a visible color such thatapplication of the permanent hair dye composition to a surface of thegrey part of the subject's hair may be observed to have the visiblecolor of a plurality of the at least one pigment particlecontemporaneously with application to the surface, the predeterminedmanner sufficient to suspend and preferably evenly disperse the at leastone pigment particle in the permanent hair dye component.

In one aspect, the disclosure is addressed to making a hair dyecomposition comprising the step of mixing a predetermined quantity of atleast one pigment particle (in a dry or suspended form) into apredetermined volume of a permanent hair dye component in a ratio of0.05% to about 0.11% volume (or an equivalent ratio by weight orweight/volume).

In one aspect, the disclosure is addressed to making a hair dyecomposition comprising the step of adding a predetermined quantity of atleast one pigment particle (in a dry or suspended form) into apredetermined volume of at least one component of a permanent hair dyecomponent to form an additive and mixing the additive with at least oneother component of permanent hair dye component such that the at leastone pigment particle is present in the permanent hair dye component isin a ratio of from about 0.05% to about 0.11% volume (or an equivalentratio by weight or weight/volume).

According to one embodiment, the disclosure herein is addressed to hairdye composition comprising a predetermined amount of a permanent hairdye component of a type that is mixed with a predetermined developercomponent in a predetermined ratio by volume to prepare a permanent hairdye composition that is applied to a subject's hair and maintained inthe subject's hair for at least a period of a predetermined minimumduration before washing the subject's hair, the permanent dye componentcomprising at least one coupler compound and at least one primaryintermediate compound, the at least one coupler compound and the atleast one primary intermediate compound present in effective amounts toattain a selected hair color of the subject's hair, the selected colorarranged to match a predetermined color selected by or for the subjectsuch that the permanent hair dye composition may be used to touch-up atleast one grey part of the subject's hair in new growth areas to matchat least one non-grey part previously dyed to attain the predeterminedcolor, the permanent hair dye component comprising 0.05% to about 0.11%by volume of at least one pigment particle that is evenly distributablewithin the permanent hair dye composition, the at least one pigmentparticle being of a visible color such that application of the permanenthair dye composition to a surface of the at least one grey part of thesubject's hair may be observed to have the visible color of a pluralityof the at least one pigment particle contemporaneously with applicationto the surface.

Referring to both the hair dye composition and the method aspects:

In one embodiment, the permanent dye component comprises from about0.09% to about 0.11% by volume of the at least one pigment particle.

In one embodiment, the percentage by volume of the at least one pigmentparticle in the permanent dye component does not exceed about 0.11%,with the proviso that when the selected color is black the percentage byvolume does not exceed about 0.10%.

In one embodiment, the percentage by volume of the at least one pigmentparticle in the permanent dye component is about 0.11%.

In one embodiment, the permanent hair dye component comprises a primaryintermediate compound, optionally in tile form of an aromatic amine thatforms an imine on oxidation, the aromatic amine optionally beingselected from the group consisting of 1,4-diaminobenzene,diaminotoluene, p-aminophenol and combinations thereof, a hair-cuticleopening agent optionally selected horn the group consisting of ammonia,ethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium carbonate and combinations thereof,and at least one coupler compound optionally selected from the groupconsisting of a phenol, naphthol, resorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol,benzodioxole, 1,4-diaminobenzene, 2,5-diaminotoluene, p-aminophenol,derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the predetermined developer component comprises anoxidizing agent, for example, hydrogen peroxide.

In one embodiment, the visible color of the at least one pigmentparticle matches the predetermined color.

In one embodiment, the particle size of 99% by weight of the at leastone pigment particle does not exceed 150 microns.

In one embodiment, the particle size of at least 99% by weight of the atleast one pigment particle is between 10 and 100 microns.

In one embodiment, the permanent hair dye component is contained in acontainer, the container comprising a reusable closure device and apredetermined volume of the permanent hair dye component in a liquidform, the predetermined volume being sufficient for multiple touch-upapplications of the hair dye composition to new growth (i.e. areas thatare grey) of a non-grey part of the subject's hair of the predeterminedcolor.

In one embodiment, the permanent hair dye component is contained in acontainer, the container comprising a reusable closure device and apredetermined volume of the permanent hair dye component in a creamform, the predetermined volume sufficient for multiple touch-upapplications of the hair dye composition to new growth (i.e. areas thatare grey) of a non-grey part of the subject's hair of the predeterminedcolor.

In one embodiment, die container is provided with instructions in atleast one language for shaking the container (when in liquid form)before use to suspend the at least one pigment particle in the permanenthair dye component and mixing a specific volume of the predeterminedamount of the permanent hair dye component with a predetermined amountof the predetermined developer component corresponding to thepredetermined ratio by volume.

In one embodiment, the specific volume corresponds to a defined periodof new growth (of grey hair e.g. a suggested range of time expressed indays and/or weeks) from a previous application of a permanent hair dyecomposition of the predetermined color that covered at least the rootsof the subject's hair, the partial volume identified in the instructionsas a recommended amount for a single application to the at least onegrey part of the subject's hair for the defined period of new growth.

In one embodiment, the defined period of new growth is 2 to 3 weeks andthe partial volume is approximately 2.5 milliliters.

In one aspect, the disclosure is addressed to a kit.

In one embodiment, the kit comprises a hair dye composition describedabove in any one or more embodiments in any combination.

In one embodiment, the kit further comprises a second container with areusable closure, the second container comprising at least a volume ofthe predetermined developer component sufficient to make the permanenthair dye composition in an amount sufficient for a selected number ofapplications.

In one embodiment, the kit further comprises an applicator, theapplicator comprising at least one surface with a surface areaconfigured for selectively applying the permanent hair dye compositionto an area of subject's hair, said area substantially comprising a greypart of the subject's hair including an area proximal to the roots ofthe subject's hair.

In one embodiment, the at least one surface is a flat edge or pointedtip.

In one embodiment, the applicator is a washable sponge applicator.

In one embodiment, the instructions further comprise instructions forusing the kit including applying the permanent hair dye composition tothe subject's hair with a suitable applicator, allowing the permanenthair dye composition to remain in subject's hair for at least the periodand washing the hair after this period.

In one embodiment, the kit further comprises a mixing bowl of a volumesufficient to mix an amount of the permanent hair dye component at leastsufficient for one application with an amount of developer in thepredetermined ratio by volume.

In one embodiment the kit further comprises gloves.

In one embodiment, the kit further comprises a measuring spoon,optionally a measuring spoon suitable for measuring a volume ofapproximately 2.5 milliliters.

In another aspect, the disclosure is addressed to a kit comprising atleast a container containing a predetermined amount of a permanent hairdye component and a container containing a predetermined amount of theat least one pigment particle or a suspension thereof. Optionally, therespective predetermined amounts correspond to a ratio of from about0.05 to about 0.11% by volume of the at least one pigment particle inthe permanent hair dye component (e.g. about 0.11% by volume).Optionally, the kit is provided with a measuring or dispensing devicefor adding a precise quantity of the at least one pigment particle or asuspension of the at least one pigment particle (e.g. in a certain ratioby volume) to a predetermined quantity of the permanent hair dyecomponent such the permanent hair dye component contains 0.05 to about0.11% by volume of the at least one pigment particle (e.g. about 0.11%by volume). Optionally the kit is provided with instructions for mixingthe at least pigment particle into the permanent hair dye component toachieve the intended ratio by volume. The kit optionally comprises oneor more of the aforementioned kit components (third container containinga developer component, applicator etc.) in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 consists of FIGS. 1A-1G which describe respective steps of oneembodiment of a method described herein including a method of touchingup a grey new growth area of a subject's hair, a method of using a hairdye composition described herein and a kit comprising a hair dyecomposition described herein.

FIG. 1 A depicts one embodiment of a step of shaking a bottle of thepermanent hair dye component to suspend the pigment particles such thatthe permanent hair dye component when poured in a desired amount into ameasuring spoon will have a quantity of pigment particles that allow thepigment particles to be visible when mixed with the predetermineddeveloper component and applied to the subject's hair; optionally as aresult of shaking the pigment particles will be substantially uniformlydistributed within the permanent hair dye component;

FIG. 1B depicts a step of pouring the permanent hair dye component intothe measuring spoon;

FIG. 1C depicts a step of pouring the predetermined developer componentinto the measuring spoon;

FIG. 1D depicts a step of pouring the contents of the measuring spooninto the mixing bowl such that the mixing bowl contains the permanenthair dye component and the predetermined developer component;

FIG. 1E depicts a step of mixing the permanent hair dye component andthe predetermined developer component to form a permanent hairy dyecomposition.

FIG. 1F depicts a step of dipping an applicator into the mixing bowl, astep repeated as desired.

FIG. 1G depicts a step of using an applicator to apply the permanenthair dye composition to the gray parts of the subject's hair, forexample gray new growth areas emerging from the hair roots; a steprepeated as desired.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of an applicator for use in accordancewith steps depicted in FIGS. 1F and 1G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described with reference tothe accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures,makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how someembodiments of the invention may be practiced. The figures are for thepurpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to showstructural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary fora fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity,some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

In the Figures:

FIG. 1 is a set of FIGS. 1A-1G depicting steps in one embodiment of amethod as follows:

As seen in FIG. 1 A, according to one embodiment of a method herein, acontainer in the form of a bottle 1, containing the permanent hair dyecomponent, is shaken to suspend the at least one pigment particle;

As seen in FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment of a method herein, aspecific volume of approximately 2.5 ml of the permanent hair dyecomponent 40 is poured from the bottle 1 containing the permanent hairdye component 40 into a measuring spoon 3; depending on the volumeamounts (e.g. whether or not two 2.5 ml. amounts can be measuredindividually with one 5 ml. spoon) measurable by the spoon measuringspoon contents are optionally first poured into tile mixing bowl 4before step 1C;

As seen in FIG. 1C, according to one embodiment of a method herein, aspecific volume of approximately 2.5 ml of the predetermined developercomponent 50 is poured from the second container containing thepredetermined developer component 50, optionally in the form of bottle2, into the measuring spoon 3;

As seen in FIG. 1D, according to one embodiment of a method herein, aspecific volume of the permanent hair dye component 40 and a specificvolume of the developer component 50 are added to mixing bowl 4.

As seen in FIG. 1E, according to one embodiment of a method herein, thecontents of mixing bowl 4 are mixed to form a permanent hairy dyecomposition 30 having a resulting volume of 5 ml, optionally using themeasuring spoon 3.

As seen in FIG. 1F, according to one embodiment of a method herein, thetip 20 of an applicator in the form of the make-up sponge stick 5 isgently dipped into the permanent hair dye composition 30 (color—visible)in mixing bowl 4; and

As seen in FIG. 1G, according to one embodiment of a method herein, thepermanent hair dye composition 30 is then applied using the applicator 5to the-visible grey hair with small gentle bursts, so that the permanenthair dye composition 30 will penetrate at least at one grey part 9 ofthe subject's hair 7 to which it was applied approximately 30 minutesafter the application, whereupon the hair is preferably washed (notshown).

As seen in FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, the applicator is inthe form a sponge applicator 5 having a handle 10 and a pointed tip 20for ease of application to a least one grey part of the subject's hair.

It will be understood that a defined % by volume can most often beexpressed in amounts by weight or as ratio of weight to volume or volumeto weight and the disclosure shall be understood to include allsubstantially equivalent ways of expressing relative amounts in generalor with reference to a specific pigment particle, hair dye composition,permanent hair dye composition 30 or permanent hair dye component 40.

It will be understood that the step of mixing a component, compositionor substance may be carried in a variety of ways that result in making anew composition with the intended relative quantities of respectiveamounts added to one another.

The term “about” means with reference to a quantity expressed with aspecificity of 3 decimal places plus/minus 0.0005, and with aspecificity of two decimal places, plus/minus 0.005 and with referenceto a quantity expressed with one decimal place, plus/minus 0.05.

At the time of this writing, the most common permanent hair coloringmethods are based on quinone imine dyes, the methods herein optionallyimplemented using a kit, generally referred to in the description ofembodiments below (describing the same item) as a hair-coloring kit,that includes two components, a permanent hair dye component 40,generally referred to in the description of embodiments below(describing the same item) as a coloring solution, dye precursor orcolor precursor and a predetermined developer component 50, generallyreferred to in the description of embodiments below (describing the sameitem) as a developer 50.

The term pigment particle may be variously referred to in thedescription of embodiments below. These terms, for example, particulatepigment and cosmetic particulate pigment, denote the same item.References to cosmetic pigment shall be understood to refer to pigmentparticles that lend their color to the permanent hair dye composition 30upon application to delineate parts of hair (areas) to which a permanenthair dye composition 30 was just applied to facilitate progressingcoverage of areas in need of application. Some of these may be used inthe cosmetics industry but use of the term“cosmetic” is a more generalway of referring to a surface property, of lending surface color.

In one embodiment, the coloring solution i.e. permanent hair dyecomponent 40, is an aqueous solution that includes ammonia (present asammonium hydroxide due to the inherent reaction of ammonia with water)and dye precursors (an aromatic amine“primary” and a coupler compoundthat is also referred to in the description of embodiments below as acoupler or coupling agent, referring to the same item). The termhair-coloring composition or hair coloring solution may be used to referthe hair dye composition claimed herein.

In some embodiments of the disclosure is addressed to methods andcompositions suitable for coloring hair, especially human hair.

The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings of the subjectmatter herein may be better understood with reference to theaccompanying description and examples. Upon perusal of the descriptionand examples present herein, one skilled in die art is able to implementthe teachings herein without undue effort or experimentation.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of a method, composition orkit in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure of method,composition or kit is not necessarily limited in its application to thedetails of construction and the arrangement of the components and/ormethods set forth herein. The method, composition or kit is amenable toother embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptivepurpose and should not be regarded as limiting.

The developer 50 as optionally used in FIG. 1C is usually an aqueoussolution including 6% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.

For use, the two components are mixed to form a hair-coloringcomposition that is basic due to the presence of the ammonia and, insome instances, additional basifying agents.

The hair-coloring composition is applied to the hair as exemplified inFIG. 1F and allowed to be in contact with the hair for a period of time,the period of time varying between 25 to 40 minutes (varies amongstproduct).

During the period of time, the ammonia opens the cuticle layer of thehairs, allowing the dye precursors and oxidant to penetrate into thehair cortex. Inside the cortex the dye precursors react with the oxidantunder basic conditions:

the primary is oxidized by the oxidant yielding a reactive aromaticimine;

the reactive aromatic imine reacts with the coupler throughelectrophilic aromatic substitution yielding an intermediate; and

the intermediate oxidizes to give the final dye that colors the hair.

In parallel, both the ammonia and the oxidant bleach the natural haircolorants (melanin and eumelanin) so that the color provided by thefinal dye is more apparent.

After the period of time, the hair is rinsed with water, therebyremoving hair-coloring composition remaining outside the hair andremoving the ammonia so that the cuticle layer closes. The final dyemolecules have a relatively high molecular weight so are trapped insidethe hair cortex and do not readily leach from the hair.

The final color of the dye molecules is dependent on the exact nature ofthe primary and the coupler. The color of the hair that is dyed isdependent on the color of the dye molecules, the original hair color,the concentration of oxidant in the composition and the time thecomposition is in contact with the hair.

Typically, the primary is an aromatic amine that forms an imine onoxidation such as 1,4-diaminobenzene (paraphenylenediamine, PPD),diaminotoluenes and p-aminophenols.

Typical couplers include compounds identical to the primary, phenols,naphthols, resorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, benzodioxoles. andderivatives thereof.

For instance, a commercially available kit marketed as 4/77 (velvetybrown) Koleston by Wella includes in the coloring solution:

water, ammonium hydroxide, toluene-2, 5-diamine sulfate, resorcinol,2-amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol

and in the developer 50 (FIG. 1C):

water, hydrogen peroxide and other ingredients to increase viscosity.

An important use of permanent hair coloring such as discussed above isto dye grey hair, for example, grey hair that naturally occurs in olderhumans. The method of application as described above means that theentire length of all of the hair is in contact with the hair-coloringcomposition every time the hair is colored, typically once a month. Thisrepeated contact with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide permanently damagesthe hair, so that the hair appears irremediably ratty, especiallyfurther from the scalp.

Some embodiments to which the disclosure is addressed herein relate tocompositions, kits and methods suitable for coloring hair, especiallyhuman hair, that may have one or more advantages compared to knowncompositions, kits and methods.

Specifically, some embodiments relate to a hair-coloring compositionthat is easily applicable only to the portions of hair that need to becolored (e.g., the grey-colored portions near the scalp) as well asmethods for applying the composition. It has been found that byimplementing the teachings herein, hair is quickly, evenly andeffectively colored with little mess.

A composition according to the teachings herein comprises a suspendedparticulate pigment. Some embodiments of a composition according to theteachings herein may be considered similar, substantially identical toor identical to known permanent hair-coloring compositions with theaddition of particulate pigment.

The particulate pigment in the composition allows the user to see thechosen color of the composition prior to application, for example, whilethe composition is in the bottle or the tubes.

During application, the user can see the color being applied to the hairdirectly and thus can apply the dye with much more accuracy. Thisreduces the amount of dangerous chemicals that are applied to the user'shair as well as reduces the time and mess it takes to apply currentprior art compositions that are colorless.

The ability to use a composition according to the teachings hereinmultiple times using small quantities only on the visible grey roots.For example, 80 ml of composition allows 16 applications (eachapplication being about 5 ml). Using small quantities delays the need tofully dye the hair and reduces the amount of harmful chemicals that areapplied to the hair. This may save users time and money. Using smallquantities per application and the addition of cosmetic pigmentsubstantially eliminates the chemical scent associated with haircoloring. Current commercially-available permanent hair dye kits aresingle-application only.

Preferably, an applicator, for example, as seen in the FIGS. 1F, 1G, 2in the form of make-up sponge stick 5 is used to apply ta permanent hairdye composition 30 according to the teachings herein to the at least onegrey part 9 in the form of visible grey roots. A pointed tip 20 on thesponge stick 5 enables the user to apply the permanent hair dyecomposition 30 more accurately to specific small spots of visible grey.This again saves time and money and reduces the amount of chemicals.

Chemistry of Permanent Hair Coloring

Permanent hair coloring requires three components: (1) a primaryintermediate agent, (2) a coupling agent, and (3) an oxidant. Theprocess is typically performed under basic conditions.

The mechanism of oxidation dyes involves three steps:

1—Oxidation of the primary intermediate;

2—Reaction of this with a coupler compound; and

3—Oxidation of the resulting compound to give the final dye.

The preparation (dye precursors) is in the leuco (colorless) form.Oxidizing agents are usually hydrogen peroxide, and the alkalineenvironment is usually provided by ammonia. The combination of hydrogenperoxide and ammonia causes the natural hair to be lightened, providinga “blank canvas” for the dye. Ammonia opens the hair shaft pores so thatthe dye can actually diffuse inside the fiber. These dye intermediatesand coupler compounds can undergo oxidation and coupling reaction toform high molecular weight products, which are trapped in the hairmatrix and cannot be readily removed through washing.

In the present invention, the composition, by including a cosmeticpigment powder, takes on the desired final color of the hair to betreated before the composition is applied to the hair.

The kit, components of which are diagrammatically depicted in FIGS. 1Ato 1G, by which the product is provided to the consumer has the dyeprecursor and the cosmetic pigment premixed in one bottle.

Composition According to the Teachings Herein

Thus, according to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings hereinthere is provided a composition suitable for coloring hair comprising:

a. liquid/cream permanent hair dye component 40 (FIG. 1B) with cosmeticsparticulate pigment included therein; and

b. cream developer 50 or oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) (FIG. 1C).

The color of the cosmetics particulate pigment is of any suitable color,especially black, shades of brown, shades of red, oranges, blues andgreens.

A general definition of a pigment could mean any substance that altersthe color of a material through selective color absorption.

Types of Particulate Pigments

The cosmetic particulate pigment used herein may be any suitablewater-insoluble pigment that is present as solid particles, for example,particulate pigments known in the art of cosmetics.

Examples of suitable cosmetic particulate pigments include those listedabove.

In preferred embodiments, in the composition there are substantially nopigment particles larger than 150 micrometers, e.g. less than 1% byweight of all pigment particles in the composition are larger than 150micrometers.

Cosmetic pigment particles are added to both liquid-form permanent hairdye component 40 and to creme-form permanent hair dye component 40(FIGS. 1B and 1C).

The amount added is about 0.0770 ml or about 1/64 tsp (US measurements)of cosmetic pigment to a bottle of 71 cc of liquid (or creme) permanenthair dye.

Any ratio substantially less than the above-specified quantity has beendetermined to result in a successful application (FIG. 1G) of permanenthair dye composition 30 (the color does not wash out when the subjectrinses the composition out of the subject's hair), but for certaincolors, the color of the at least one pigment particle might not bevisible in the permanent hair dye composition 30, thus making accuratecoloring more difficult.

Any more than the above-specified quantity can interfere with thepenetration or retention of the permanent hair dye composition 30 thusresulting in the dye coming off or out of the hair, for example, evencompletely, during washing.

Hair-Cuticle Opening Agent

The hair-cuticle opening agent is any suitable hair-cuticle openingagent for example, hair-cuticle opening agents known in the art. In someembodiments, the hair-cuticle opening agent is selected from the groupof ammonia, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium carbonate andcombinations thereof. As is known to a person having ordinary skill inthe art, some such agents are present in solution in an equivalent form,for example, ammonia is typically present in the composition as NH4+OH−.

Dye Precursor

The dye precursor is any suitable dye precursor as known in the art ofpermanent hair coloring compositions and described above, typicallycomprising an aromatic amine “primary” and a coupler.

In some embodiments, the primary is an aromatic amine that forms animine on oxidation. In some such embodiments, the primary is selectedfrom the group consisting of 1,4-diaminobenzene (paraphenylenediamine,PPD), 2,5-diaminotoluenes, p-aminophenols and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a coupler is identical to the primary. In someembodiments, the coupler is selected from the group consisting ofphenols, naphthols, resorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, benzodioxoles,1,4-diaminobenzene, 2,5-diaminotoluenes, p-aminophenols derivativesthereof and combinations thereof.

Oxidant

The oxidant is any suitable oxidant effective in causing the formationof a dye from the dye precursor by initiating the reaction of theprimary with the coupler. Any suitable oxidant may be used, especiallyoxidants known in the art of hair-coloring compositions. In someembodiments, the oxidant is hydrogen peroxide. Oxidation takes placewhen an unstable atom loses an electron, thus allowing the atom to forma new compound with another element. In the context of coloring hair,the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide is typically used. When hydrogenperoxide is combined with a para-dye an ‘imine’ structure develops,creating a new compound called a meta-dye. During the application stage,para-toluene-diamine (PTD), a small salt crystal is dissolved in thetinting cream. The alkali within the mix helps to soften the hair,opening up the cuticle layer and allowing the PTD dyestuff to enter thecortex. Para-dyes are oxidized and polymerization occurs, PTD para-dyecrystals start to develop their colors and combine together at up to 300times their normal size forming meta-dyes. Surplus oxygen reacts withexisting natural hair pigments to produce a slight lifting effect.

Kit According to the Teachings Herein

In some embodiments a kit according to the teachings herein comprises:

a) a first container in the form of bottle 1 (FIG. 1B) containing e.g.of 40 cc of liquid/creme permanent hair dye (cosmetic pigment included).

b) a second container in the form of bottle 2 (FIG. 1C) containing e.g.40 cc of creme developer 50 or oxidant.

c) a 2.5 ml measuring spoon 3 (FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E).

d) a small mixing bowl 4 (FIGS. 1D, 1E, 1F).

e) An applicator in the form of make-up sponge stick 5 (FIGS. 1 F, 1 G,2). (e.g. a brush).

f) disposable gloves.

Such a kit is suitable for approximately 16 separate applications

Method According to the Teachings Herein

i. The user puts on gloves (f) (not shown in the figures).

ii. The first bottle 1 is shaken to suspend the cosmetic pigment (FIG. 1A) and then 2.5 ml is poured from the first bottle 1 into the measuringspoon 3 (FIG. 1B), and from the measuring spoon 3 into the mixing bowl 4(FIG. 1D).

iii. 2.5 ml is poured from the second bottle 1 into the measuring spoon3 (FIG. 1 C), and from the measuring spoon 3 into the mixing bowl 4(FIG. 1D);

iv. The contents of mixing bowl 4, 5 ml, are mixed well, optionallyusing the measuring spoon 3 to make a permanent hair dye composition 30(FIG. 1E).

v. The end of the make-up sponge stick 20 is gently dipped into thepermanent hair dye composition 30 in the mixing bowl (FIG. 1F) andapplied to the at least one grey part of the subject's hair 7 (FIG. 1G)optionally with small gentle bursts.

vi. 30 minutes after the application, the hair should be washed.

In a general aspect, the hair dye composition, kit and method describedherein gives users the option to dye only the visible grey roots, usingpermanent hair dye, which includes at least one pigment particle, alsoreferred to as a cosmetic pigment or cosmetic color pigment. Thedisclosure herein is directed to use of small quantities of the hair dyecomposition and for the hair dye composition to be used for multipleapplications. Accordingly, a subject, also referred to as a user (whichcan be a third party providing a service to the subject) can delay foras long as possible the need to dye the subject's entire hair, thussignificantly reducing the amount of chemicals employed and time wasted.

In a preferred embodiment:

1. The addition of cosmetic color pigment.

-   -   For a bottle of 71 cc of permanent hair dye, an addition of        0.0770 cc or 1/64 of a teaspoon of cosmetic color pigment is        added (US Measurement).    -   In tests referenced herein e.g. in Examples, any less than the        specified quantity above resulted in a successful hair dye,        however for certain colors the pigment particle color was not        visible in the permanent hair dye composition 30 applied to the        hair. Less than the specified amount resulted in dye that worked        and did not come off during washing of the hair i.e. the color        of the cosmetic pigment was not be observed in the hair, and        this made accurate coloring more difficult.    -   In tests referenced herein e.g. in Examples, any more than the        specified quantity above ruined the permanent hair dye with the        result that the dye came off the hair completely during washing.    -   The quantity above (0.0770 cc or 1/64 of a teaspoon) to 71 cc of        permanent hair dye component 40 (about 0.11% by volume) is the        correct and safe quantity for all colors of permanent hair dyes,        however for black no more than about 0.10% tested successfully        (0.10% tested successfully).    -   The color of the color pigment chosen by the user may be visible        even in the hair dye bottle. The use of cosmetic pigment during        the application, allows the hair dye to be absorbed immediately        onto the grey roots.    -   The addition of color pigment to the permanent hair dye is        directed to allow the user to see the color being applied        directly to the hair. This serves to enable the user to        accurately apply color substantially only the necessary grey        roots.    -   In this method of coloring, with cosmetic pigment, the user may        avoid applying unnecessary quantities of hair dye solutions to        unnecessary locations on the hair. This serves to reduce the        amount of harmful chemicals being applied to user's hair.

2. Small Quantities

-   -   The option to use smaller quantities, 5 cc (includes permanent        hair dye component 40 and developer 50) in every application of        permanent hair dye composition 30 is enough to cover the visible        grey roots. This reduces the need to color the entire head and        may significantly reduce the amount of chemicals and time wasted        dyeing hair.    -   The provided 2.5 cc measuring spoon 3 allows the users to use        smaller quantities of permanent hair dye component 40 (2.5 cc)        and developer 50 (2.5 cc), thus allowing for quicker, more        efficient and safer experience.

3. One of the advantages of using smaller quantities is that it allowsusers multiple uses of the permanent hair dye kit, unlike the rest ofthe available kits in the market.

4. The two factors, one being the addition of the cosmetic pigment andthe other, the division of the hair dye into smaller quantities,significantly reduces the chemical scent of the hair dye mixture.

-   -   Reduces the effect of chemicals and its harmful effects on the        breathing airways.

5. Using the permanent hair dye combined with cosmetic pigment in smallquantities on grey roots may delay the need to dye all the roots of thehair by at least three to four months.

6. Using this method discussed above, users may be able to dye specificspots on the hair, such as the hairlines and the side burns. The userdoes not have to wash their hair, he may choose to clean the coloredarea with a small sponge dipped in shampoo, and then following up with asmall sponge dipped in water. This may save significant time for users,as they can touch up their grey roots right before leaving withouthaving to wash their hair completely.

7. Brushes

-   -   Applicator e.g. Make-Up Sponge Stick 3    -   A completely different brush than any regular hair brushes in        the market. One side is the handle, and the other side is a        dense sponge applicator.    -   During the permanent hair dye application process, the tip 20 of        the sponge 3 is dipped into the hair dye mixture and using small        compressions the hair dye is applied to the hair. This way        allows the hair dye to be applied to the grey roots directly        near the scalp. The permanent hair dye composition 30 gets        absorbed into the grey roots. This approach may also reduce the        need to open hairlines, like other products, and makes the        application much simpler.    -   The application in this manner is accurate, drip-free and        contact-free from the skin. There is no need to use gloves, and        the entire application can take less than one minute.

8. The companies in the market today offer permanent hair dye kits inquantities that are intended for use on the entire hair or half the hairand without cosmetic pigment.

9. The companies in the temporary hair dye market offer hair dye thatcomes off during washing of the hair.

The disclosure addresses a permanent hair dye that does not come offduring washing, that may be used in convenient small quantities and thatmay be used for multiple applications, in that it includes at least onepigment particle in a precise relative quantity in the permanent dyecomponent, as disclosed herein, such that the permanent dye may be seento delineate areas of application effectively immediately afterapplication (as though it were paint) and retention of the permanent dyein the hair cuticle after washing.

For illustration purposes:

-   -   Permanent hair dye component 40 (includes cosmetic pigment)—50        cc    -   Developer 50—50 cc    -   Total quantity—100 cc    -   The quantity measurements may be effected using a measuring        spoon 3 of 2.5 cc.    -   Application may be used in the following manner:    -   Mixing thoroughly the permanent hair dye component 40 bottle 1        to allow the cosmetic pigment to become visible.    -   Pouring from the bottle 1, 2.5 cc into the measuring spoon and        then into the mixing bowl.    -   Pouring from the developer bottle 2, 2.5 cc into the measuring        spoon and then into the mixing bowl.    -   Mixing of the two liquids (total 5 cc) using the measuring spoon        3.    -   Given the total quantity of 100 cc, using the 5 cc mixture (2.5        cc of dye and 2.5 cc of developer 50) allows the user 20 uses of        the product.    -   The disclosure of embodiments herein is different from other        permanent hair dye kits in the market, which only allow for        single use and forces users to use large quantity of hair dye,        between 40 cc and 142 cc.

Cosmetic Pigment Powders

Cosmetic pigment powders used to test the teachings herein werepurchased from TKB Trading LLC, Sandream Impact LLC, Guangzhou Yrtayfine chemicals Co. Ltd.

Description: Color group: black. Inorganic, high-purity pigment.Insoluble, but miscible in water & oils. Particle size range 0.3-5.0micrometer. Mean particle size 2.27 micrometer. CAS: 131761-9. INCIName: CI 77499 (iron oxide black). Applications: All kinds of colorcosmetics, personal care products, soaps.

Description: Color group: brown. Inorganic, high-purity pigment.Insoluble, but miscible in water & oils. Particle size range 0.3-5.0micrometer. Mean particle size 1.42 micrometer. CAS: 1332-37-2. INCIName: Iron oxide blend. Applications: All kinds of color cosmetics,personal care products, soaps.

Description: Color group: red. Inorganic, high-purity pigment.Insoluble, but miscible in water & oils. Particle size range 0.3-1.0micrometer. Mean particle size 0.56 micrometer. CAS: 1309-371. INCIName: CI 77491 (iron oxide red). Applications:

All kinds of color cosmetics, personal care products, soaps.description: Natural shimmer pigment derived from the mineral Muscovitemica coated with iron oxides. Cosmetic-grade fineness (particle sizerange 10-60 um), permitted exempt color for cosmetic use. Insoluble, butmiscible in liquids (sinks to bottom in thin liquids). CAS: 12001-262,1345-25-1. INCI Name: Mica (CI 77019), iron oxide (CI 77491) cinnamon.Use: Suspends best in thick bases. Can be blended with other pigments.For external use only. Applications: All kinds of decorative cosmetics &personal care Products. Natural shimmer pigment derived front themineral Muscovite mica coated with titanium dioxide & iron oxide.Cosmetic-grade fineness (medium particle size <15 um), permitted exemptcolor for cosmetic use. Insoluble, but miscible in liquids (sinks tobottom in thin liquids). CAS: 12001-26-2, 13463-67-7, 1345-25-1. INCIName: Mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxide (CI77491). Properties: Gives deep color with shimmering & pearlizingluminescence. Mica gold. Use: Suspends best in thick bases. Can beblended with other pigments. For external use only option: Naturalshimmer pigment coated with iron oxides. Cosmetic-grade fineness(particle size range 10-60 um). Permitted exempt color for cosmetic use.Insoluble, but easily dispersible in liquids (sinks to bottom in thinliquids). CAS: 12001-26-2, 1332-37-2. INCI Name: Mica (CI 77019), ironoxide. Properties: Provides brown beige coloring with pearlizingluminescence. Mica walnut brown. Use: Suspends best in thick bases. Canbe blended with other pigments. For external use only. Applications: Allkinds of decorative cosmetics & personal care products.

Model: YT4001, color: Bronze, particle diameter÷10-60 mih.Characteristic description: Metallic effect pearl pigment has glitterbronze luster, high hiding power.

Model: SW6500, color: Crystal bronze, particle diameter: 10-60 μm.Characteristic description: Antique bronze metallic luster, more sparklethan the metallic effect pearl pigment.

Alchemique Amber, Color: Amber. Composition: Aluminum Powder, Silica,Iron Oxides. Particle Size: 30-60 μm. Application: Eye, Face, Nail andPersonal Care worldwide

Aynmira Shimmer ROY8598, Color: Color Travel. Composition: SyntheticFluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Silica, Iron Oxides.Particle Size: 20-80 μm/Application: Eye, Up, Face, Nail and PersonalCare worldwide.

Majestic Mango, Color: Mango. Composition: Mica, Yellow 5 Lake. ParticleSize: 10-60 μm. Application: Eye, Lip, Face, Nail and Personal Careworldwide* Conditionally approved for eye applications in selectedcountries in Asia

Examples

Permanent Hair Dye Kits

Prior art permanent hair dye kits were purchased from regular commercialstores in Vancouver, Canada. Permanent hair dyes are intended forcoloring grey roots. These hair dyes do not come off during or afterwashing. All permanent hair dye kits are single-use only.

Kit #1: Wella ColorCharm® liquid haircolor 3N dark natural brown(coloring solution including ammonia) with Wella cream developer(developer for use with ColorCharm®, including hydrogen peroxide).

Kit #2: Wella Koleston® 4/77 (velvety brown) kit including coloringsolution including ethanol amine and developer including hydrogenperoxide.

Kit #4: L'Oreal® (Golden Copper) ColorSpa Moisture Actif® including acolorant with ethanolamine and a developer including hydrogen peroxide.

Kit #5: Garnier® Olia® (5.3 Golden Brown) including a colorant withethanolamine and a viscous cream developer including hydrogen peroxide.

Kit #6; Revlon® ColorSilk® (burgundy) including a colorant withethanolamine and a developer including hydrogen peroxide.

Kit #7: SchwarzKopf color Ultime (1.4 sapphire black) includingdeveloper.

Kit #8: Revlon COLORSILK—free Ammonia.

Kit #9: Revlon—COLORSILK—30 Dark Brown—Ammonia free.

Kit #10: GARNIER—700 Dark Natural Blonde—free Ammonia.

Kit #11: LOreal-CASTING—600 Light Brown—No Ammonia.

Kit #12: COLOR BRILLIANCE—Ion-305478—Blue Black PPD Free and free.

Kit #13: CoSaMo—Love Your Color—Light Ash Brown—PPD Free.

Cosmetic Pigment Powders

Cosmetic pigment powders used to test the teachings herein werepurchased from TKB Trading LLC:

a. Black Oxide Pigment (black iron oxide, CAS No. 1317-61-9);

b. Antique Copper (mica (CAS No. 12001-26-2), titanium dioxide (CAS No.13463-67-7), red iron oxide (CAS No. 1309-37-1), black iron oxide (CASNo. 1317-61-9)); and

c. Colorona Russet, (mica (CAS No. 12001-26-2), titanium dioxide (CASNo. 13463-67-7), red iron oxide (CAS No. 1309-37-1)).

Additional pigment powders used were:

d. 1-pigment powders;

e. 30-color eyeshadow palette by YeSurprise;

f. Sephora Color Anthology eyeshadow;

g. commercial eye shadow; and

h. Chanel ombré eye shadow palette

Although the particle sizes were not measured, it is believed that themean particle size of all the cosmetic pigment powders was between 10micrometers and 100 micrometers, with substantially no particles largerthan 150 micrometers.

General Method

In some general embodiments, the permanent dye component comprises 0.05%to 0.13% by volume of the at least one pigment particle, optionally0.09% to 0.12% by volume of the at least one pigment particle.

The experiments were conducted on women ranging from the ages of 35 to72 years old.

A prior art hair coloring composition was made from any one of Kits #1to #13 by combining appropriate amounts of the developer andcorresponding permanent hair dye solution.

The addition of cosmetic pigment was added to both liquid-form permanenthair dye and to creme-form permanent hair dye. Addition of 0.0770 cc or1/64 tsp (US measurements) of cosmetic pigment is added to a bottle of71 cc of liquid (or creme) permanent hair dye. For the liquid permanenthair dye with the cosmetic pigment, the user must shake the liquidbottle well before use in order to combine the sunk pigment with therest of the composition. For creme-form permanent hair dye the cosmeticpigment remains in the composition without any changes, no shakingnecessary.

Pouring from the permanent hair dye component 40 bottle 1 as illustratedin FIG. 1B (which optionally includes the cosmetic pigment) into ameasuring spoon 3 of 2.5 cc and then pouring it into the mixing bowl 4as illustrated in FIG. 1D. Subsequently, pouring 2.5 cc of the developerinto the measuring spoon 3 as illustrated in FIG. 1C and then into themixing bowl 4 as illustrated in FIG. 1D. Mixing the two well using themeasuring spoon 3 as illustrated in FIG. 1E. Application of thethus-made hair coloring composition according to the teachings hereinexemplified in FIG. 1G is done using a make-up sponge stick 5 orhigh-density applicator, which has a handle 10 on one side and a densefoam tip 20 at the other end. Only the very tip of 20 of the spongestick or applicator 5 was gently dipped into the hair coloringcomposition in the bowl and then is applied by dabbing the visible greyhairs (at the parts and sideburns). The small dabs allow the haircoloring composition to be applied evenly and more thoroughly to theroots of the grey hair, close to the scalp. Each application isoptionally in the quantity of 5 cc and includes hair dye, developer andcosmetic pigment without any chemical scent. All the hair to be coloredof given subject was colored within approximately 5 minutes of makingthe hair composition according to the teachings herein.

Each 5 ml batch of hair-coloring composition according to the teachingsherein was sufficient for coloring all the visible grey roots of asubject's head, Thus, a single prior art kit for making 142 ml of priorart hair coloring composition was enough for making 28 separate 5 mlbatches of hair coloring composition according to the teachings herein.

In some instances, when the amount of cosmetic pigment powder that wasadded was less than 1/64 tsp, successful hair dyeing was achieved butthe color was not immediately visible when applied to the hair.

Amounts of cosmetic pigment powder greater than about 1/64 tsp havetested to ruin the prior art hair coloring composition thus resulting infading of the dyed hair after washing.

When coloring of a subject's hair was completed, the subject waitedbetween 20 and 35 minutes.

Typically, after 20 to 35 minutes of the application the user can chooseto wash their hair in the shower or clean it with a sponge dipped inshampoo followed by a sponge dipped in water.

Hair colored according to the teachings herein was monitored during 18months period. Hair was washed normally (typically at least one shower aday) using standard shampoo and conditioner).

No fading of the color resulting from application of the composition wasobserved and the only grey color was of new hair growth emerging fromthe scalp.

Hair care professionals who were asked to cut, style and trim the hairremarked that the hair had regained a youthful and vibrant appearance.Without wishing to be held to any one theory, it is currently believedthat since subjects no longer applied standard hair coloringcompositions to their hair, the hair remained undamaged along itslength.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the invention pertains. In case of conflict, thespecification, including definitions, will take precedence.

As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” andgrammatical variants thereof are to be taken as specifying the statedfeatures, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the additionof one or more additional features, integers, steps, components orgroups thereof. These terms encompass the terms “consisting of and“consisting essentially of.

As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one”or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term “about”,the term “about” is intended to indicate +/−10%.

As used herein, a phrase in the form “A and/or B” means a selection fromthe group consisting of (A), (B) or (A and B). As used herein, a phrasein the form “at least one of A, B and C” means a selection from thegroup consisting of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (Aand B and C).

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shallnot be construed as an admission that such reference is available asprior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of thespecification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for application of a permanent hair dyecomposition, the kit comprising: a permanent hair dye composition; andan applicator, the applicator comprising: a handle; a sponge extendingfrom the handle, the sponge being composed of a high-density foam, thesponge including a first surface; wherein the sponge is configured toabsorb the permanent hair dye composition through the first surface andupon being compressed, expel the permanent hair dye composition throughthe first surface.
 2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the sponge includes apointed tip.
 3. The kit of claim 2 wherein the first surface is locatedon the pointed tip.
 4. The kit of claim 1 wherein the sponge includes aflat edge.
 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the first surface is locatedon the flat edge.
 6. The kit of claim 1 wherein the sponge is washable.7. The kit of claim 1 wherein the sponge is reusable.
 8. The kit ofclaim 1 further comprising a measuring spoon suitable for measuring avolume of approximately 2.5 milliliters.
 9. The kit of claim 1 whereinthe permanent hair dye composition comprises an amount of a permanenthair dye component of a type that is mixed with a developer component ina ratio by volume to prepare a permanent hair dye composition that isapplied to a subject's hair and maintained in the subject's hair for aminimum duration before washing the subject's hair, the permanent dyecomponent comprising: at least one coupler compound in an amounteffective to attain a selected hair color of the subject's hair; and atleast one pigment particle that is evenly distributable within thepermanent hair dye composition, wherein a particle size of 99% by weightof the at least one pigment particle does not exceed 150 microns. 10.The kit of claim 9, wherein the permanent hair dye component comprises aprimary intermediate compound, a hair-cuticle opening agent and at leastone coupler compound.
 11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the primaryintermediate compound comprises an aromatic amine that forms an imine onoxidation, the aromatic amine being selected from the group consistingof 1,4-diaminobenzene, diaminotoluene, p-aminophenol, derivativesthereof and combinations thereof.
 12. The kit of claim 10, wherein thehair-cuticle opening agent is selected from the group consisting ofammonia, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium carbonate and derivativesthereof and combinations thereof.
 13. The kit of claim 10, wherein theat least one coupler compound is selected from the group consisting of aphenol, naphthol, resorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, benzodioxole,1,4-diaminobenzene, 2,5-diaminotoluene, p-aminophenol, and derivativesthereof and combinations thereof.
 14. A method of applying a permanenthair dye composition, the method comprising: providing an applicator,the applicator comprising: a handle; a sponge extending from the handle,the sponge being composed of a high density foam, the sponge including afirst surface; manipulating the handle to dip the sponge into areservoir containing the permanent hair dye composition, thereby causingthe sponge to absorb a portion of the permanent hair dye compositionthrough the first surface; and manipulating the handle to dab the spongeselectively against hairs to be dyed, thereby causing the sponge toexpel the portion of the permanent hair dye composition through thefirst surface onto the hairs to be dyed.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the sponge includes a pointed tip.
 16. The method of claim 15wherein manipulating the handle to dip the sponge into the reservoircontaining the permanent hair dye composition comprises dipping only thepointed tip of the sponge into the reservoir containing the permanenthair dye composition.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the spongeincludes a flat edge.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein manipulatingthe handle to dip the sponge into the reservoir containing the permanenthair dye composition comprising dipping only the flat edge of the spongeinto the reservoir of the permanent hair dye composition.
 19. The methodof claim 14 wherein the permanent hair dye composition comprises anamount of a permanent hair dye component of a type that is mixed with adeveloper component in a ratio by volume to prepare a permanent hair dyecomposition that is applied to a subject's hair and maintained in thesubject's hair for a minimum duration before washing the subject's hair,the permanent dye component comprising: at least one coupler compound inan amount effective to attain a selected hair color of the subject'shair; and at least one pigment particle that is evenly distributablewithin the permanent hair dye composition, wherein a particle size of99% by weight of the at least one pigment particle does not exceed 150microns.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the coupler compound isselected from the group consisting of a phenol, naphthol, resorcinol,4-chlororesorcinol, benzodioxole, 1,4-diaminobenzene,2,5-diaminotoluene, p-aminophenol, and derivatives thereof andcombinations thereof.